Hinkley Point C is on track for its next big milestones according to the CEO of EDF Energy.

The new CEO, Simone Rossi, outlined the importance of the Bridgwater project for the UK and says despite the scale of the project, the proposed timescale is still a realistic target.

He added that the new power station should be in service in 2025 but acknowledges the industrial site will face challenges and make no compromises on safety and quality.

In his first public speech as EDF Energy's CEO, Mr Rossi said: "We’ve moved more than four million cubic metres of earth – that’s like digging a hole two and a half times as big as the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. We are already installing the huge sea water cooling pipes.

Worker at the new Hinkley Point C power station (Image: EDF Energy)

"One of the main focuses at site is what we call J-zero – when we start building the power station’s structures above ground.

"That can only happen once the foundations are in place for the first unit. All our 2018 goals will help us to achieve this major milestone on schedule by June 2019.

"Beyond J-zero, our goal is to put the first unit into service by the end of 2025."